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Family raised $40,000 for Alstrom Syndrome research with benefit (Ellysa Gonzalez Blog)

Callie Marshall, 16 years old, Dillon Collier, 18 years old, and Bryce Johnston, 4 years old, are three of the four known people in Texas to have Alstrom Syndrome.

Cassie, mother, Lynn, father, and Bryce Johnston at the Alstrom Angels Benefit Dinner on February 16.

A jersey with the number 781, symbolizing the fact that Bryce was the 781 person in the world to be diagnosed with Alstrom Syndrome, sold for $2,200 during the live auction at the Alstrom Angel Benefit Dinner. The winner gave the jersey to Bryce's grandfather.

The family of Bryce Johnston, the Lubbock 4-year-old with Alstrom Syndrome, hosted the Alstrom Angels Benefit Dinner on Saturday and raised about $40,000 for Alstrom Syndrome research.

The original goal had been $20,000, according to Cassie Johnston, Bryce's mother. Business sponsorships and other factors encouraged the family to raise the goal to $30,000. Johnston said the counting is not finished, but she believes the final amount to be about $40,000.

Johnston said about 230 people attended the event including two other people from Texas diagnosed with Alstrom Syndrome.

Callie Marshall, 16 years old, and Dillon Collier, 18 years old, greeted guests at every table and expressed gratitude for their attendence, she said.

Johnston said the Marshall family broguht a Team Bryce jersey with her Alstrom number, 781, for the live auction. She said the jersey sold for $2,200. The winner later gave the jersey to Bryce's grandfather.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Alstrom Syndrome International.